Argentina vs Peru: Lionel Messi Equals Landmark Assist Record in Final Match of 2024

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Argentina vs Peru: Lionel Messi showcased his enduring brilliance in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Peru, assisting Lautaro Martinez’s winning goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match on November 20.

With this assist in his final match for club and country in 2024, Messi matched former USA international Landon Donovan’s record of 58 international assists, the most in men’s football history.

Interestingly, the player who is third on the all-time highest assist list is Messi’s former Barcelona protege Neymar, who has 57 assists for Brazil.

How Did Lionel Messi Play in Argentina vs Peru?

The tightly contested encounter between Argentina and Peru in Buenos Aires’ iconic Alberto Jose Armando Stadium saw a scoreless first half, with the Albiceleste struggling to convert their chances. However, the hosts emerged with renewed intent after the break.

However, the second half belonged to Messi. In the 55th minute, the 37-year-old maestro weaved through three defenders before delivering an inch-perfect cross to Martinez, who finished with a breathtaking overhead kick.

The goal not only sealed three points for La Albiceleste but also etched Messi’s name alongside Donovan in the annals of international football history. Argentina’s upcoming 2025 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil will give Messi a chance to claim the outright assist record.

For Inter striker Lautaro Martinez, it was his 32nd goal for Argentina, placing him alongside Diego Maradona as the nation’s joint-fifth-highest scorer. Lionel Messi currently leads the Argentine scoring charts with 112 goals in 190 caps for his country.

Despite just a one-goal lead, the World Cup winners saw out the match with relative ease with Enzo Fernandes and Rodrigo De Paul effectively shielding the defence from any Peruvian attack, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was rarely tested throughout the match.

With this victory, Argentina wrapped up 2024 on a high note, reinforcing their status as one of the world’s top teams. It was a perfect response to last week’s loss against Paraguay, with Lionel Scaloni’s men keeping their FIFA World Cup qualification campaign on the right path.

For Lionel Messi, it was a fitting redemption after his recent heartbreak with Inter Miami and a proper conclusion to the year, leaving fans eager to see what magic he will produce in 2025.